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Bloomington, Minnesota is a suburb of Minneapolis. It is near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (IATA: MSP) and home to the Mall of America, the United States' largest shopping mall. Bloomington has a population of 82,893 people (as of 2010)[42].

Bloomington is centrally located and convenient to many Twin Cities Metro area attractions. Bloomington is located approximately 10 miles south of Minneapolis, MN.

Driving: Bloomington is intersected by two major interstates and a number of major highways. Interstate 35W runs north/south through the center of Bloomington. Interstate 494 runs east/west, intersecting with Interstate 35W near the center of the city.

Public Transport: There are no regional buses that have drop off points in Bloomington. The nearest Greyhound bus terminal is located in Minneapolis (see the "Get In" section of Minneapolis). The bus terminal is located at 950 Hawthorne Ave (at 10th St, one block west of Hennepin) in downtown Minneapolis and is 4-5 blocks away from the light rail station, which you can take into Bloomington. If you need to get into Bloomington from anywhere else in the Twin Cities metro area, you can generally take a local bus or light rail line. Metro Transit is the public transit authority for the entire Twin Cities area, including Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington. Their website has a great and easy to use route finder [43].

Flying: The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is located near Bloomington and from there it is easy to get on a light rail train to take you into the city.

Bloomington has abundant public transit options and it is well connected to Minneapolis and St. Paul and other cities in the Twin Cities metro area. The south end of the Hiawatha Light Rail line ends in Bloomington at the Mall of America, giving easy access from Bloomington to Downtown Minneapolis for a sports game, shopping or night out on the town. Within the city of Bloomington, there are a plethora of bus lines to get you just about anywhere that you need to go. Many hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Mall of America/MSP Airport at 3 Appletree Square[44], offer complimentary shuttle service to the Mall of America and MSP Airport for it's guests.

Bloomington's uses the same public transit system as the rest of the Twin Cities Metro area, including Minneapolis and St. Paul. This integrated system is called Metro Transit. Metro Transit fares are valid for 2 1/2 hours of unlimited transfers from first use and are valid on all Metro Transit buses and light Rail (excluding the Northstar Light Rail Line which requires an additional fare.)

Adult fares as of 2011 are $1.75 non rush/$2.25 rush ($2.25 for express busses during non rush hours and $3.00 for express buses during rush hour.) Discounts apply for senior citizens and children, as well as disabled veterans and people with disabilities. Up to 3 children under the age of 5 ride for free with a paid adult fare[45].

Underwater Adventures Aquarium, 120 East Broadway (inside Mall of America), ☎+1 952 883-0202, [1]. Visit the world's largest underground aquarium and see over 5,000 marine creatures! From 360 pound sea turtles to young sea horses, you will find everything you were hoping to see in the underwater adventure. Scuba Certified, try scuba diving with 9 foot sharks.edit

Bloomington Civic Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. (located in the Bloomington Arts Center/Bloomington Civic Plaza), ☎952-563-8575, [2]. Varies. The Bloomington Civic Theater offers a variety of plays and concerts in many different styles and genres. From Musicals to Comedies, symphony orchestra concerts to blue grass, you are sure to find something for everyone's taste. Looking for a night out on the town? Upgrade your ticket to a package that includes dinner at Kincaids for $31 additional.$14-$28. edit

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, 120 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425, United States, ☎952-883-0202, [3]. Get a closer look at the creatures of the ocean by exploring the exhibits and attractions at the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium. While peeking in the tanks, you'll see jellyfish, clownfish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses, octopuses, sea turtles, and much more. Be sure to visit the touch tanks for a hands on experience, and walk through the ocean tunnel - it allows you to get a look at ocean life from the inside, out!edit

Nickelodeon Universe, In Mall of America, [6]. "A large indoor amusement park in the middle of the Mall of America. It has 3 roller coasters in addition to many different rides."edit

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 3815 American Blvd E (located near the Mall of America), ☎952-854-5900, [7]. Visitor Center: 9am-5pm (refuge lands open from sunrise to sunset). The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife refuge is located right on the Minnesota River and provides a sanctuary for wildlife and migrating birds. The Visitor Center offers fascinating interactive exhibits about the area's natural history. There are an abundance of hiking trails and the refuge offers educational programs as well as picnic grounds and cross country skiing in the winter. This is a great place to take the kids if they haven't burned off all of their excess energy at the Mall of America!Free. edit

Normandale Japanese Garden, 9700 France Avenue South, ☎952-487-8200, [8]. 24 hours a day, year round. This serene spot is located next to Normandale Community College. It offers a restful spot to contemplate or walk, as well as a great located for weddings and photo shoots.Free. edit

Bloomington Arts Center, 1800 W Old Shakopee Road, ☎952-563-8587, [9]. Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. The Bloomington Arts Center is located in the Bloomington Civic Plaza. It offers six exhibits a year as well as art classes for adults and children.Exhibitions are free, classes vary in price. edit

Mall of America, at the junction of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue), ☎+1 952 883-8800, [11]. Largest indoor shopping complex in the United States. A dizzying shopping experience. It has hundreds of stores, a LEGO play area, an indoor theme park, and a large aquarium. There is an IKEA next door. You can get there by light rail or bus.edit

Ikea, 8000 IKEA Way (Near the Mall of America), ☎(952) 858-8088, [12]. Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm / Friday and Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm / Sunday 10:00am-7:00pm. Shopping mecca of all things Swedish! This store has everything you could possibly need for your home at reasonable prices. Furniture, linens, houseware, decorations. Wander through the second floor showroom to look at complete rooms and get ideas for your home before heading down to the wrehouse to pick up your new finds. Ikea also has a great and reasonably priced cafeteria and a really cool children's play area. Come, make a day of it! If you have never been to an Ikea before, plan to spend at least 2-3 hours.edit

Kincaids, 8400 Normandale Lake Boulevard (located off of the intersection of 84th Street and Highway 100 in West Bloomington), ☎(952) 921-2255, [16]. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm / Dinner: Sun-Thurs 3pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-10pm / Lounge: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 4pm-11pm / Sunday Brunch: 10am-2pm. A contemporary American Restaurant located in West Bloomington near Normandale Lake (so you can walk off the great meal you just ate!) Kincaids offers upscale dining in an elegant atmosphere. Perfect for a night out on the town without going into Downtown! This restaurant has long been a Bloomington staple for prom kids and adults alike looking for a special night out. Kincaids has great food, good portions and an extensive wine list. Lunch: $11-$20, Dinner $15-$40. edit

Shantytown Bar and Grill, 8512 Pillsbury Avenue South, ☎(952) 881-7223, [17]. Open for Lunch and Dinner, Monday-Saturday.. "BLOOMINGTON'S BEST KEPT SECRET" For those who like restaurants that are off the beaten path, this is your place! Located in an industrial park surrounded by a residential area in Bloomington, this restaurant offers a quirky, family atmosphere. They serve awesome gourmet burgers, onion rings and sandwiches. Has a full bar and great Happy Hours! It doesn't look like much on the outside, but once you get past the exterior and its location, the food is excellent. A great place to hang out with friends.$7-$10. edit

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